Police to enforce lockdown rules

PEOPLE could be stopped by police to explain why they are away from home during the latest coronavirus lockdown, senior officers have warned.

The Metropolitan Police said the public should expect officers to be more “inquisitive” about why they are “out and about” during England’s third national lockdown.

Londoners breaching Covid legislation “are increasingly likely to face fines”, the force said in a statement, adding: “Londoners can expect officers to be more inquisitive as to why they see them out and about.

“Where officers identify people without a lawful reason to be away from home they can expect officers to move more quickly to enforcement.”

The news came as the force said a woman who held a New Year’s Eve party for more than 100 people faces a £10,000 fine.

Officers on patrol discovered the event in Exhibition Road, Kensington, central London, when they spotted a large group trying to get in at around 11.30pm and the organiser refused to co-operate, the force said.

People not wearing masks when they should be “and without good reason” can also expected to be “fined – not reasoned with”, the force warned.